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HISTORICAL DISCOURSE, 



DELIVERED ON THE 



ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY 



OF THE FORMATION OF THE 



FIRST CHURCH IN WINDHAM, 

BY REV. J. E. TYLER. 



HISTORICAL DISCOURSE, 



DELIVERED BEFORE 



THE FIRST CHURCH AND SOCIETY OE WINDHAM, CONN., 



DECEMBER 10th, 1850. 



BEING THE 



ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY 



OF THE 



FORMATION OF THE CHURCH 



By JOHN E. TYLER, 

PASTOR. 



HARTFORD : 
PRESS OF CASE, TIFFANY AND COMPANY. 
1851. 






Given to the press at the genekai- request of the mem- 
bers OF the church and congregation before whom it was 

DELIVERED. 






'. / 



HlSTOllICAL DISCOURSE. 



"Remember his marvellous works that he hath done ; hts wonders, and 
THE JUDGMENTS OF HIS MOUTH." — Psalm cv. 5; also 1st Chron. xvi. 12. 

The words of my text are a portion of a Psalm prepared by 
David, and delivered into the hands of Asaph and his brethren, 
to be sung before the Lord, on a memorable day in Israel. 

The Psalm is mainly a review of God's dealings with his an- 
cient people. It recalls his marvellous works from an early 
period in their history, and frequently exhorts them to bring 
these displays of power and mercy into grateful remembrance. 
The purport of the Psalm generally, and the language of the 
text, particularly, inculcate a duty which commends itself to 
every enlightened understanding, and to every pious heart. 

God is honored by his people in a suitable remembrance of 
his dealings with them ; and the exercise of recalling, and con- 
sidering the ways in which he has led them as individuals, as 
families, as churches, as communities, is calculated to promote 
their spiritual welfare by awakening a sense of dependence on 
God, confidence in his character and government, and gratitude 
for his unmerited goodness 

Fifty years ago this day, the people composing this church 
and religious society assembled in their place of public worship 
to call to remembrance the works of the Lord toward theniselves 
and their fathers, for the period of one hundred years of their 
history. We have assembled this day, the same church, the 
same society, but a different people, to call to remembrance the 
works of the Lord toward us and our fathers, for the period of 
ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY YEARS. A ccntury and a half has 
passed since the organization of this church, in a wilderness 



portion of the Colony of Connecticut, which has become the 
parent of other churches, on the north, on the east, and on the 
west, whose representatives here with us to-day we welcome, 
as entitled to participate in commemorating the hundred aiid 
fiftieth anniversary of the birth-day of their m.other. 

It is hoped that it may not be without profit to us to look 
over the history of God's providence relating to this church 
and people, from the early beginnings till the present time. 

The first English habitation in the territory now known as 
the town of Windham, was erected in 1689, by Lieut. John 
Cates, a Puritan, supposed to have been a member of Crom- 
well's army, who fled from England on the accession of Charles 
II. to the crown of Great Britain.* The name by which he is 
known may not have been his original name. It is possible that 
it was assumed for security against British spies, who were 
ready to seize in any place, any and all persons who had ren- 
dered themselves obnoxious to the despotism of the Stuarts. 
He came first to Virginia, but not resardins himself as suffi- 
ciently secure, he procured a servant and came to New York, 
then to Norwich, and then to the retired plantation of Wind- 
ham. The name of John Cates, whether a true or fictitious 
name, deserves to be remembered with honor by us and by our 
posterity, as it has been by our fathers before us. This town, 
and other towns in our neighborhood that once constituted a 
part of this, even now enjoy the benefit of an annual appropria- 
tion of money for the support of common schools, the product of 
his liberality. A portion of the small vested fund possessed by 
this church, was his gift. Also, a portion of the communion 
plate, which we still make use of in commemorating the Sa- 
viour's dying love. 

Lieut. Cates was evidently a man of property ; and his works 
testify that he was a man of intelligence, enlarged generosity, 
and true puritan enterprize. From the time when the first hab- 
itation was erected, it would appear that the settlement of the 



* The land which embraces the town was given in 1675 to a certain number 
of gentlemen named as legatees in his last will, by Joshua, Sachem of Mohe- 
gan. It was partially surveyed in 167G, and the main street was laid out. 
Purchases were made for settlement in the two following years. 



place increased with great rapidity ; for in three years, that is, 
in 1692, (JVIay 12,) the settlers obtained from the Assembly the 
grant of Town primleges. It was in advance of all the other 
towns of this county in the date of its settlement ; and for a 
considerable period was one of the most prominent towns in the 
eastern part of the state. 

At the first town meeting holden after town privileges had 
been conferred, (June 11th, 1G92,) among other proceedings, 
this important vote was adopted : — " Voted to apply to Mr. 
Samuel Whiting for the purpose of carrying on the work of the 
ministry." Mr. vSamuel Whiting was the son of Rev. John 
Whiting, of Hartford. He is supposed to have come to Wind- 
ham at the beffinnino; of the vear 1693 ; and tradition declares 
that he preached his first sermon on the first day of the year, 
the first day of theiveek, from the first chapter of the Bible, and 
from the first verse. There is good reason to believe that this 
tradition is well-founded. Mr. Whiting is represented to have 
been a man of excellent abilities, rendering him highly useful in 
the civil transactions of the town ; and he is known to have 
assisted in gathering many of the churches in the county. 

" In May, 1693, as an inducement to tarry with them four 
years, the settlers offered him fifty pounds a year, an allotment 
through all the division lots, and to build him an house two 
stories high, and eighteen feet square. In 1697, they gave him 
a call to ordination. In 1697 the call was repeated, and eighty 
loads of wood added to his salary. December 4th, 1700, he was 
ordained; and on the 10th of December, 1700, the church was 
gathered, and he was gathered with it as pastor. His salary 
was afterwards raised to 100 pounds and his wood." 

Fifteen male persons became members of this church in its 
organization. Of these, eleven have been recovered from the 
defaced records left by Mr. Whiting. They are as follows : 
Rev. Samuel Whiting, Deacon Thomas Bingham, Deacon Jo- 
seph Carey, Joshua Ripley, Thomas Huntington, Joseph Hunt- 
ington, John Backus, Jeremiah Ripley, Jonathan Crane, Joseph 
Hebard, and Samuel Abbe. These are therefore the names of 
some of the very early and prominent inhabitants of the town. 
If a letter may be presumed to have been conveyed from Wen- 



ham, Mass. to this place, in the time intervening from October 
29th, to December 10th, the following persons should also be 
reckoned among the number gathered with the church at its 
organization, viz: John Abbe and Robert Hebard, with their 
wives, Hannah Abbe and Mary Hebard ; for there is a letter 
of antique dimensions preserved on the cover of the church 
records, dated " Wenham, October 29th, 1700," dismissing 
these persons from the church in the aforesaid place, and 
recommending them as suitable individuals to "join with others 
in gathering and erecting a church at Windham." This letter 
concludes with this language, " We commend you all, with your 
pious and Christian design, to the guidance and conduct of the 
blessed and effectually quickening spirit of the Lord Jesus 
Christ, praying he would be with you in that weighty worke ; 
helping you to build up, and to be further built up in the king- 
dom of his grace here, being preserved blameless and brought 
to his kingdom of glory hereafter : The grace of our Lord Jesus 
Christ be with you all. Amen. 

Yours in the Lord, Joseph Gerrish, Pastor, with the consent 
of the Brethren of the Church of Christ att Wenham." 

Mr. Whiting labored as a minister in this place thirty-two 
years, and was pastor of the church twenty-five years. He 
married the sister of Rev. Eliphalet Adams, of New London, by 
whom he had thirteen children, — eight sons, and five daughters. 
He died of the pleurisy, at Enfield, while on a visit to his friends, 
September 27th, 1725, in the fifty-sixth year of his age. It is 
said that on his death-bed, he made two special prayers, one 
for his family, and one for the continuance and prosperity of his 
church. 

During the latter part of Mr. Whiting's ministry, it pleased 
the Lord to pour out his spirit upon the people of this place, 
and a very interesting and distinguishing revival of religion was 
enjoyed. Perhaps there is no record of any revival in our coun- 
try at that early day, which equalled this in extent and power. 
In the space of six months, eighty individuals were added to the 
church, as the joyful fruits of this spiritual refreshing. 

President Clap, in a letter to Rev. Mr. Pierce, of Boston, 
having remarked on the event, that so large a number were 



brought into communion with the church in so short a period, 
says that it was "without extraordinary apparent occasion, but 
through the secret operation of the spirit of God upon their 
hearts." He meant, doubtless, that it was in connection with 
the faithful use of only the ordinary means of grace. 

In acknowledgment of the goodness of God, the church set 
apart a day of thanksgiving, and Mr. Whiting delivered a ser- 
mon from 1st Thess. iii. 8. For now wc live, if ye stand fast 
in the Lord. The sermon was published at the time, in New 
London, with an introduction by Rev. Mr. Adams. It confirms 
the opinion naturally derived from the history of his ministry 
here, that he was an able, faithful, and zealous preacher of the 
gospel. The doctrine he deduces, supports, and improves from 
the text, is thus quaintly expressed : '' All godly persons, and 
especially they that have taken pains with people for their good, 
will he much refreshed and comforted, and it will help to balance 
the trouble they meet with, when they that have been brought 
over- to the acknowledgment of the truth, do stand fast in the 
Lord:' 

Mr. Adams makes the following observations in the intro- 
duction to this sermon : 

" It seems to be something necessary that some account should be given of 
the occasion of the ensuing discourse, and it may, (through the blessing of God,) 
be useful unto many, when they shall hear of the grace of God unto others, and 
how he hath been mercifully pleased to visit his people. Windham is a town 
of about some thirty years standing, where the Rev. Mr. Samuel Whiting hath 
been improved in the work of the ministry, even from their beginning. God 
hath been pleased to make him a very rich blessing among them, and doubtless 
many will have reason to bless God forever, in that their lot hath been cast to 
dwell under his ministry. Not only hath he seen the town flourishing to that 
degree in this short space of time, as that two other societies have sprung out 
therefrom, but he hath had the comfort to observe that many living and serious 
Christians have been born there, and that his labor hath not been in vain in the 
Lord. 

But of late there has been a greater stirring than ordinary among the dry 
bones. Many have been awakened to consider and inquire with a great deal 
of earnestness, what theij should do to be saved. Persons of all ages and fome of 
whom there was but little expectation, have come together weeping to seek the 
Lord their God, so that within the compass of about half a year, there have 
been four score persons joined to their communion, and more are still dropping 

in, so mightily doth the word of God grow and prevail among them 

Could their revered pastor have been prevailed upon so far to have gratified the 



8 

public, we might have been more curiously entertained with the knowledge of 
many particulars which ought not to be forgotten, while the Holy Spirit, like 
the wind that bloweth where it listeth, hath been dividing to every one sev- 
erally as it will, in this day of their visitation ; but at present we must be con- 
tent with this short and imperfect account. 

In the mean time it is surprising to see what an happy alteration there is 
made when God is pleased to bless the dispensation of the Gospel, and the in- 
stitutions of his house, and confirm his word in the mouths of his servants. . . . 

Oh that the same good spirit from on high were poured out upon the rest of 
the country, for what pity is it that this single place only shoidd be wet with the 
dew of heaven, vfVdl'i the rest of the ground round about remains (comparatively) 
dry."* 

The ministry of Mr. Whiting was a period of peculiar reli- 
gious prosperity with our fathers. It was a day of the right 
hand of the Most High. The Lord then heard the prayers of 
his saints, and he was gracious to the families of his people. 
This godly minister left in the church on his decease, two hun- 
dred AND SIXTY-FOUR MEMBERS, all reccived into communion by 
himself, excepting the few who composed the church at its 
formation. 

When intelligence reached Windham that Mr. Whiting had 
been removed from his connection with the church on earth 
to enter on the rew^ard of his labors above, the people, with one 
accord, set apart a day of fasting and prayer, to express in a 
suitable manner, a sense of their bereavement, and to seek \h0 
Lord's direction in their destitute estate. The ministers in the 
neighborhood were invited to spend the day with them. They 
complied with the invitation ; and before returning home, re- 
commended to the people, that they should send to Cambridge 
College for a candidate. This recommendation was followed ; 
and within three months from the removal of their former pas- 
tor, Mr. Thomas Clap was sent to them. 

Mr. Clap commenced his labors immediately, and gave gen- 
eral satisfaction. After preaching about seven months as a 
candidate, he was ordained August 3d, 1726. Rev. Mr. Adams, 
of New London, brother-in-law of their first minister, delivered 
the discourse on the occasion. 

The provision made for the support of Mr. Clap, was, for that 

* There was no unusual attention to religion in any other of the congregations 
in Ihe neighborhood, at this time. 



period, very generous. They gave him £300 settlement — a gift 
outright, to enable him to begin life as a minister with comfort, 
to provide necessary books, and to enter the connubial state 
without embarrassment— and £100 annually, with £10 extra 
for his wood.* 

Mr. Clap performed the duties of a minister in this place 
about fourteen years, and was pastor of the church over thir- 
teen years. He is more generally known to the public than his 
predecessor, and perhaps more generally known than any one 
who has come after him, in the ministry here. 

He left Windham on a call to the presidency of Yale College, 
and was at the head of that institution till a year before his 
death, f — twenty-seven years. 

Mr. Clap was an earnest, laborious, systematic, and indefa- 
tigable man, during his ministry here, and while he was con- 
nected with the college. 

In one of the manuscripts that escaped the ravages of the 
British soldiers at New Haven, J containing some minutes of his 
life, the following interesting entry is found, relating to his min- 
istry in Windham : 

It bears date January 1st, 1737. 

" I have this last week finished my pastoral visitation of each family in my 
parish, and catechising the several children in them. And I have also taken 
down the names and ages of every one, that so I might have more knowledge 
and clear remembrance of every soul committed to my care and charge, and 
the circumstances and condition of each particular person. I find the number 
of them to be 722 — a great number of souls to depend upon the care of one 
weak and sinful creature, — may God direct and enable nie to go through this 
great M^ork and charge, that I may bear the names and circumstances of every 

* Mr. Clap was born at Scituate, Mass., June 26, 1703. His parents were 
SteiDhen and Temjierance Clap. He entertained a hope of his conversion at the 
age of seventeen, while a member of Cambridge College. He completed his 
collegiate course in 1722. In 1725, December 31, he came to Windham, in 
order to settlement. He was ordained August 3, 1726. Windham Church 
Records. — Minutes of his life in manuscript. — Dr. Daggett's Sermon at President 
Clap's funeral. — Dr. Allen's Am. Biog. and His. Dictionary. — Rev. Elijah Wa- 
terman's Cent. Sermon, etc. 

t He died January 7, 1767. 

X His valuable manuscripts were plundered in the expedition against New 
Haven, under General Tryon. Among them were materials for ^history of 
Connecticut. 

2 



10 

one upon my heart at all times, and especially when I approach unto the 
Throne of Grace, as Aaron bore the names of the children of Israel on the 
breastplate upon his heart, when he entered into the Holy place ; and may God 
pour out the plentiful efiusions of his Holy Spirit upon all those who are com- 
niitted to my care and charge, and cause religion to have a real and powerful 
influence upon all their hearts, — that ovir young persons may be favored and 
blessed with an early conversion from sin to holiness, — that the rising genera- 
tion may seek the God of their fathers, be truly pious, and closely adhere to the 
princijoles and practices of religion, — that the middle aged may not be so en- 
gaged in the cares and hurries of this world as to neglect the great concerns of 
their souls ; and that those who are advanced into old age, may be powerfully 
assisted and directed in their last and finishing work. And may he excite and 
assist me to lay myself out every way that lies in my power to forward and 
promote the salvation of their souls."* 

The testimony which has come down to the present time, 
relative to the talents, literary and theological attainments, and 
the moral worth of the Rev. Mr. Clap, is of" a uniform character. 
He had a respectable knowledge of the Latin, Greek, and He- 
brew languages, but was less distinguished in this department 
of learning than in some others. "In the higher branches of 
mathematics, in astronomy, and in the various departments of 
natural philosophy, he had probably no equal in America, ex- 
cepting Professor Winthrop, of Cambridge." " He constructed 
the first orrery that was made in America."! 



* The census of the parish alluded to in this extract from Mr. Clap's man- 
uscript is preserved in his own hand-writing, and is now in the possession of 
the wa-iter of this discourse, — one leaf only missing. There were 120 families, 
722 individuals. 

His own family is recorded thus, — The Dyer family is recorded thus, — 

«' Thomas Clap, June 26, 1703. " Capt. Thomas Dyar, May 15, 169-4. 

a Mary Clap, April 25, 1729. Lydia Dyar, January 15, 1695. 

Temperance Clap, April 29, 1732. Mary Dyar, January 31, 1719. 

Pompey, Negro, about 1713. b Eliphalet Dyar, September 14, 1721. 

Phillis, Negro, about 1717. Lydia Dyar, July 12, 1724. 

Tamar, Negro, December 18, 1736." Eunice Dyar, June 5, 1727. 

Ebenezer Fitch, July 12, 1724. 
Cuffee, Negro, about 1711. 
Hagar, Negro, 1716." 

t Am. Biog. and His. Dictionary. 

a His wife had died a few months before. 

6 Colonel of regiment raised in 175S, for the expedition against Crown Point, 
Agent for Colony to Great Britain, — Delegate to the Congress of 1765, and to 
that of 1774,— Appointed Judge in 1776, and Chief Justice in 17S9. 



11 

The college at New Haven received a new impulse when he 
entered on the duties of the presidency. "His great mind and 
extensive literature made it reputable at home and abroad." 
" Connecticut Hall," one of the college edifices, and the only 
one of so great antiquity that has survived the ravages of time, 
was built through his enterprise, and under his superintendency. 
He laid the foundation stone, and in 1752 saw the building 
completed. At that time it was the best building in the colony. 
A considerable portion of the money employed in erecting this 
edifice, was raised by a lottery which the Assembly granted for 
the accomplishment of the enterprise. The avails of a French 
prize were also appropriated to this object by the Assembly.* 

He is represented as having been a solid and impressive 
preacher, without any superior talent in the art of speaking ; 
his matter fixina: the attention of his auditors, more than his 
manner. His religious sentiments accorded with the Calvinism 
of the Westminster divines. He opposed Mr. Whitefield, mis- 
apprehending the character and objects of this great and excel- 
lent man. In this, however, he was associated with many of 
the leading ministers of Connecticut. 

During his connection with this church he received into com- 
munion two hundred and nineteen individuals. He adminis- 
tered the ordinance of baptism io four hundred and seventy-five, 
including adults with the children, a very large proportion of 
them being of the latter class. 

It appears on the records of the church that while Mr. Clap 
was the minister, twenty-nine persons "owned the covenant." 
It may be deemed a favor by some of my hearers, if I should 
explain what is intended by this language. The owning of the 
covenant was an act of persons who were not prepared to be- 
come professors of religion in full, but were ready to promise 
in a public manner, by assenting to a written covenant, that 
they would abstain from prevailing sins, and live according to 
the commandments of God. The practice had its rise in the 
proceedings of a synod that met in Boston, in 1662. In Con- 
necticut, it was first brought into use in the case of young per- 

* Dr. Trumbull's History, Vol. II. B. 12. 



12 

sons. After this solemn act they were in a sense members of 
the church, but did not participate in the ordinance of the Lord's 
Supper.* When they became parents they brought their chil- 
dren forward for baptism, on the ground of this partial connec- 
tion with the church. After a short period, it was customary 
for those only who had entered the marriage state, and had 
children they desired should be admitted to the ordinance of 
baptism, to own the covenant. The form of the covenant first 
introduced in this state is preserved in Dr. Trumbull's History. 
It was adopted at Hartford, February, 1696, and was "owned" 
almost immediately, by a large number of youth in that city. 
The covenant was in these words : 

" We do solemnly, in the presence of God, and this congregation, avouch 
God in Jesus Christ to be our God, one God in three persons, the Father, the 
Son, and the Holy Ghost, and that we are by nature children of wrath, and 
that our hope of mercy with God is only through the righteousness of Jesus 
Christ apprehended by faith ; and we do freely give up ourselves to the Lord, 
to walk in communion with him, in the ordinances appointed in his holy word, 
and to yield obedience to all his commandments, and to submit to his govern- 
ment. And whereas, to the great dishonor of God, scandal of religion, and 
hazard of the damnation of many souls, drunkenness and uncleanness are pre- 
vailing amongst us, we do solemnly engage before God, this day, through his 
grace, faithfully and conscientiously to strive against these evils and the tempta- 
tions leading thereunto." 

This form may have been substantially the one employed 
here, and by the churches generally. In case, however, of some 
of the churches, it is supposed that they employed in this recep- 
tion of members to a partial connection, the same covenant that 
was adopted when members were received into full communion. 

This "half-way covenant plan," as it has sometimes been 
called, had its origin in the close intimacy of civil and ecclesi- 
astical affairs in our early history, and in the low state of religion 
at the period when it arose. It was strenuously opposed from 
the beginning by some of the best ministers and Christians, and 
gradually disappeared as a practice of the churches. There 
are few now living who have any remembrance of such a 
custom. 



* They also did not vote in the church. Vide Sermon of Rev. Cyprian 
Strong on this subject, printed at Hartford, by Hudson & Goodwin, 1780. 



13 

To return to the history of Mr. Clap. As he married in this 
town, and his wife was the daughter of the clergyman who pre- 
ceded him, — the worthy Mr. Whiting, — she was no unimpor- 
tant part of this church, and should not be suffered to escape, as 
is too common with modest merit, without appropriate notice. 
She was ffteen years of age when Mr. Clap and herself were 
united in marriage. Our fathers and mothers usually entered 
upon the estate of matrimony at an earlier age than their sons 
and daughters are encouraged to hazard it. We are wise in 
our day : — who will venture to affirm that they were less wise 
in theirs ? 

This respectable couple lived together nine years ; and at the 
age of twenty-fo^ir she was called to abetter world, August 19th, 
1736, as is attested by the simple stone erected to her memory 
in our grave-yard. 

From the description which is given of this woman by Mr. 
Clap, and which may be found in the sermon of Rev. Professor 
Dagget, delivered on the occasion of President Clap's funeral, 
she must have been indeed a model woman. He says, 

" She had a beautiful and pleasant countenance ; was a woman of great 
jirudence and discretion, in the conduct of herself and all her affairs; was dil- 
igent, and always endeavored to make the best of what she had ; the heart of 
her husband could safely trust in her. She was kind and compassionate to 
the poor, and all in distress. She was adorned with an excellent spirit of hu- 
mility and meekness ; did not affect to put herself forward in conversation, but 
chose to speak discreetly rather than much ; but was always free, pleasant, 
and cheerful, in conversation with every one. She exceeded in a most serene, 
pleasant temper, and disposition of mind, which rendered her very agreeable 
to her husband and all her acquaintance ; and though he lived with her almost 
nine years in the connubial state, yet he never once saw her in any unpleasant 
temper, neither did one unpleasant word pass between them on any occasion 
whatsoever." 

It is every way desirable that these remarkable excellencies 
of character that adorned Mrs. Mary Clap, should equally adorn 
all who sustain to his successors the relation she sustained to 
him. The Christian sisters who are thus related to the elders 
presiding over churches that have proceeded from this, and who 
in view of her vocation, will accord her the title of Mother in 
Israel, may also wisely consider this admirable model. And I 
would that this ancient, bright example of female loveliness, 



14 

left for all the members of her sex in this church and parish, as 
their lawful inheritance, might be duly esteemed and universally- 
imitated. 

On Mr. Clap's removal to New Haven, the General Assem- 
bly gave the ecclesiastical society here £310, as compensation 
for the pecuniary loss which they sustained in the dismission 
of their minister.* It was against their earnest desires that he 
left them. He indeed tore himself away under strong impres- 
sions of duty, and the urgency of prominent clergymen and lay- 
men of Connecticut, who were persuaded that his talents and 
learning would find a wider field of usefulness in connection 
with the college. 

The church and society rendered destitute by Mr. Clap's 
removal, soon united in extending an invitation to Mr. Stephen 
White, to become their pastor and spiritual teacher. He was 
pleased to accept the invitation, and was ordained on the 24th 
of December, 1740. Rev. Solomon Williams, of Lebanon, 
preached the sermon on the occasion. The other ministers 
who were on the council, and took part in the services, were 
Rev. Eleazer Williams, Rev. Joshua Meacham, Rev. Samuel 
Moseley, and Rev. Ebenezer Devotion. Mr. White performed 
the duties of the ministry in this place, for the period of ffty- 
tliree years, — a longer period than had elapsed i'rom the founda- 

* Dr. Trumbull sa)-s, Vol. II. p. 303, " The Committee of the First Society 
of Windham, made apiJlication to the Trustees to give them a recompense for 
the removal of their pastor. Upon this they mutually agreed to refer it to the 
judgment of the gentlemen of the General Assembly, Avhat compensation they 
should have. Those gentlemen considering that Rev. Mr. Clap had been in 
the ministry at Windham fourteen years, which in their estimate was about 
half the term of a minister's life in general, judged that the society ought to 
have half the price of his settlement. This was about fifty-three pounds ster- 
ling. Upon the memorial of the Trustees, granted that sum to the people of 
Windham as a compensation." Dr. Trumbull has fallen into a mistake in 
relation to the sum granted by the Assembly. 

The following vote is found on the Records of the First Ecclesiastical Society 
in this place, (Meeting August 20, 1740.) "Also, Voted and ordered by this 
Society, that Mr. John Abbe, Nathan Skiff, and Joseph Bingham, the present 
Society's Committee, or any one of them, in the name and behalf of said Soci- 
ety, receive the three hundred and ten pounds money granted to this Society in 
May last, by the General Assembly, on the account of Rev. Thomas Clap's 
removal from us to the Rectorate of Yale College." 



15 

tion of the church to the time of his settlement. The society 
in giving him a call, endeavored to guard against the danger of 
any such loss as they had experienced hy the interference of 
the college, in the connection between them and their pastor. 
The vote presenting him with the call, is in these words : — 
" Whereas the inhabitants of said society having had some con- 
siderable experience of Mr. Stephen White's ministerial gifts, to 
their general satisfaction, do now agree to give him a call to 
the work of the ministry, and to continue among us in said 
work as long as he lives, or is able to preach the Gospel." 

The liberal sum of £600 was granted as a settlement, and 
his annual salary was £200. In the period of his ministry, 
however, there were great changes in the worth of pounds, 
shillings, and pence. It was therefore necessary often to esti- 
mate the value of the salary promised for his labors, and there 
is reason to fear that he did not always receive a support which 
was as ample as he could reasonably expect, or as had been 
received by those who occupied the place before him. If this 
were so, the people alike wronged themselves and their minis- 
ter, and themselves the more severely of the two. Should they 
not be esteemed the Solomons of their day, who fancy that 
they make money, or in any way profit themselves, by keeping 
their minister on a short allowance ? 

Of the character of Mr. White we have sufficient means of 
forming a just estimate. He was less a public man than his 
immediate predecessor, and he labored among this people in a 
less marked and peculiar period than Mr. Whiting, their first 
minister. Aged citizens still remember him, though he was 
considerably advanced in years in the season of their youth. 
Mr. Waterman is a good witness to testify in relation to the 
character of Mr. White, entering directly, as he did, into the 
office made vacant by his decease. 

lie says, "Mr. White possessed good natural abilities, improved by early 
education. In his station he was a workman that needed not to be ashamed. 
And the manuscript sermons left behind him are a testimony of real piety and 
faithfulness. He was constitutionally modest, and unless with his acquaintance, 
reserved in conversation. In his domestic relations he was tender and indul- 
gent, and the same affectionate temper he manifested towards his church and 
people." 



16 

Rev. Moses C. Welch, of Mansfield, much younger in years, 
and in the ministry, than Mr. White, yet well able to form a just 
opinion of his character, as he enjoyed an intimacy of acquaint- 
ance with him, having resided two years in this place, and most 
of the time in the family of Mr. White, in the discourse deliv- 
ered at his funeral, says, — 

" At what period of his life he chose the good part, and became saving! 1/ and 
experimentally acquainted with the truth, I have not been particularly informed. 
The most that I know of his character, is, from w^hat appeared in his life. 
Thus much I am in duty bound to say, that in Mr. White were agreeably and 
happily united, the good scholar, the real Christian, and the able, judicious 
divine. He was possessed of good natural abilities. These being cultivated 
by a liberal education, and sanctified by divine grace, furnished him for public 
usefulness, and to make no inconsiderable figure in the %vork of the gospel 
ministry. 

He was a gentleman of study, and close application of mind, ever careful to 
bring beaten oil into the sanctuary of God. In his preaching he treated upon 
all the important subjects; but the distinguishing doctrines of grace were his 
principal theme. The infinite and sovereign love of the Father, manifested in 
plan and works of redemption, — the infinite fullness and sufficiency of the 
atonement by the Divine Son, — justification by faith alone. These distinguish- 
ing doctrines, and such as are more immediately connected with them, are sub- 
jects on which he appeared to dwell with uncommon delight : and these he was 
able to treat with pertinency and perspicuity. As a scribe instructed unto the 
kingdom of heaven, he was able to bring out of his treasure things new and old. 

The interests of religion in general, and the good of his people in particular, 
appeared ever to be an object of his great concern. He was faitliful to reprove, 
rebuke, exhort, with all long suffering and doctrine. 

In private his conversation savored of the best things. He was a faithful 
friend — an agreeable, entertaining, and instructive companion. Yea, I may 
sum up his character in short, that he was a kind husband, — a tender parent, — 
a good neighbor, — a real Christian, — and a faithful minister of Jesus Christ. 

I have been ready to think the character of a bishop given by Paul to Titus, 
was his in an eminent degree. A lover of hospitality — a lover of good men — 
sober — just — holy — temperate — holding fast the faithful word. 

He served God and his generation faithfully, and the last time he spoke from 
this desk, might have addressed the people of his charge, as ' Paul the aged' 
once did the elders of the church of Ephesus. * I take you to record this day, 
that I am pure from the blood of all men, for I have not shunned to declare 
unto you all the counsel of God.' " 

There were interesting seasons of refreshing from the pres- 
ence of the Loi'd enjoyed during Mr. White's ministry. Par- 
ticularly one such season in the year 1741, in which year there 
was an addition to the church of fifty-seven members. This, 



*/ 



17 

it may be recollected, was in the season of the "Great Awaken- 
ing," as it is sometimes called, when there was a very peculiar 
attention to religion in the churches of New England generally, 
and in some other parts of the country. In 1742, there were 
thirty persons added to the church. 

But it is to be owned with sorrow, that taking into one view 
all the time embraced in the ministry of Mr. White, the history 
of the church, and the moral condition of this place, is calculated 
to awaken emotions most melancholy, and most painful to the 
heart of the true friends of Zion. " How is the gold become 
dim ! the most fine gold changed !" 

When Mr. White's predecessor took leave of Windham, he 
left in the church two hundred and eighty-seven communicants. 
When he himself was removed by death, there were left in the 
same but an hundred and one. 

My friends, be ye careful lest ye judge unjustly, lest ye im- 
pute unfaithfulness, or deficiency in zeal, or knowledge, or dis- 
cretion, without cause. Results which are obvious to human 
sight, do not in all cases prove the character of God's servants. 
There is no evidence that this minister was any way chargeable 
before God, because his success was so unlike that which had 
attended the ministry of the men who labored in this field before 
him. The fault is to be sought elsewhere. The representa- 
tions of his piety, and zeal, and benevolent interest in this peo- 
ple, which we have considered, forbid us to charge blame upon 
him. There are many causes of this deplorable state of things, 
which deserve consideration. 

The season of Mr. White's labors here included the period 
when there was greater general depression in the concerns of 
religion than at any other period, perhaps, since the settlement 
of the country. The last half of the last century was the period 
when we imported much infidelity from Europe ; when our 
learned men, and professional men, were sceptics, and infidels, 
to an extent that they have never been before, nor since. We 
felt the effects of preparing for war, and engaging in war, and 
the calamitous results of war, on the feelings and habits of the 
people. Very few if any of our churches but find occasion to 
mourn over this portion of their history, as one of moral dark- 
3 



18 

ness. And in Windham, for some reasons, this depression in 
reh'gious concerns was experienced in an unusual degree, and 
the prevaiUng infidehty prevailed here in an extraordinary 
measure. Many from this place were in the army, some of 
them officers in the army, and many returned when the war 
was over, to reside, bringing the opinions and the habits formed 
in the camp ; and these were abundantly propagated. This 
people suffers even now, from the vicious opinions and practices 
that were introduced in the latter quarter of the last century. 
Here has been witnessed melancholy proof that the sins of the 
fathers may be visited upon the children, to the third and fourth 
generation. 

Hear Mr. White speak for himself, on this subject. In the 
sermon he preached at the Fiftieth Anniversary of his settle- 
ment, (1790) he mournfully says, 

" When I came to this town there were some of the first settlers living. 
They are now dead, and almost all the next generation. In those days there 
were scarce any that were not professors of religion, and but few infants not 
baptized. No families that were prayerless. Profane swearing was but 
little known ; and open violations of the Sabbath not practised as is common 
now. And there were no Deists among us. The people as a body were fearers 
of the Lord, and observers of the Sabbath, and its duties. But the present day 
is peculiar for men's throwing oil' the fear of the Lord. Declensions in religion 
have been increasing for about thirty years past, such as profaneness, disregard 
of the Sabbath, neglect of family religion, unrighteousness, and intemperance, 
the imbibing of modern errors, and heresies, and the crying prevalence of infi- 
delity against the clearest light." 

We are ready to exclaim, — Can it be possible ! Is not this 
series of statements representing such a contrast between the 
moral condition of this community in 1740 and 1790 to be 
received with great allowances? Mr. White's successor thinks 
it to be a just description, and from the manner in which he 
speaks in his Century Sermon, narrating his own observations, 
we find indirect, but substantial evidence of the general accu- 
racy of Mr. White's assertions. 

Not a few members of the same society that so studiously 
made arrangements at the time of Mr. White's settlement to 
prevent the possibility of his leaving till the end of life, or till he 
should cease to he able to preach the gospel, strenuously endeav- 
ored to remove him by withholding his support, in the latter 



19 

part of his ministry. He had friends, however, who stood by 
hinn to the last. The respectable authority which has been 
frequently referred to before, in relation to his general and 
ministerial character, declares that " He lived and died re- 
spected and esteemed by those people whose approbation was 
worth possessing ; while he had the hard reflections of those 
whose censure on such subjects was praise." 

Mr. White received into communion with the church three 
hundred and eighteen persons ; and ten hundred and forty-four 
persons received the ordinance of baptism by his hands. Like 
his predecessor, he married in this place. His wife, a worthy 
woman, universally esteemed, was the daughter of Capt. Thomas 
Dyer, and sister of Col. Eliphalet Dyer. He had by her thirteen 
children. He serenely went to his rest, January 9, 1793.* 

Rev. Elijah Waterman was the next pastor of this church 
and people. A call was extended to him, bearing date June 
23d, 1794, and offering him an annual salary of £l45. He was 
ordained the first day of October following. The ordination 
sermon was delivered by Rev. James Dana, D. D., of New 
Haven. Many persons in this place well remember when Mr. 
Waterman was ordained, but there are no persons living in the 
church, who were members at that time. Mrs. Lydia Snow, 
and Deacon Samuel Perkins are believed to be the persons latest 
deceased whose membership in the church extends to so early 
a date. There are three female members living who were 
received into communion by Mr. Waterman; — Miss Lydia 
Wills, Mrs. Rachel Cross, and Mrs. Marial Huntington. Mr. 
Waterman officiated as pastor here till the 12th of February, 
1805, a period a little short of eleven years. The judgment I 
form of his character is derived from the representations of 

* He was born at Middletown, in 17 IS. When he was two years old his 
parents removed to New Haven. He graduated at Yale College, in 1736. 
His wife deceased May 27, 1S02, aged eighty-three. The last two of the family 
that died in Windham, were maiden daughters. Sarah White died December 
2S, 1S3G, aged seventy-eight ; Susanna died April 5, 1S37, aged ninety-five. 
Two colored servants belonging to the family, survived Susanna White ; one, 
Cate, is since dead, and one, Creusa, still lives, inhabiting the family mansion, 
and having a life-interest in her former master's property. 



20 

those who enjoyed his personal acquaintance, and sat under his 
ministry; and from the productions of his pen which he has left 
behind him. 

He was a man of more than ordinary mental acumen, and 
probably was in little danger of suffering any imposition by 
sophistical reasoning, from whatsoever quarter, or in whatsoever 
manner it might come. He evidently formed his opinions for 
himself, and he certainly did not fear to maintain them. 

He was a sound preacher. He preached sound doctrine, 
and he defended it by sound arguments. He was a man of a 
good share of learning. Particularly was he a historian and a 
treasurer of facts. This church is greatly indebted to him for 
the indefatigable exertions he put forth to collect and save the 
interesting facts respecting its early history. Were it not for 
the labors which he commenced in the way of preparation for 
the anniversary of the church, observed fifty years ago, and 
which he continued as long as he could find encouragement by 
success, (the results of which are embodied, some in his anni- 
versary discourse, some in a preface to Mr. Whiting's thanks- 
giving sermon, and some in the records of the church,) to make 
out a tolerable history of our early days, would now be an utter 
impossibility. 

The records that could be found in the hand- writing of Mr. 
Whiting, Mr. Clap, and Mr. White, which were much worn 
and defaced, he carefully transcribed into a volume. And this 
leads me to observe of him, that he was a man of peculiar pa- 
tience and diligence, and of unusual benevolence; for all these 
qualities must have combined in the individual, who, aside from 
his ordinary pursuits, allowing very little leisure, was willing to 
spend weeks and months solely for the benefit of others. His 
manner in the pulpit was to a considerable degree of the popu- 
lar cast. He was bold, active, and energetic. He never sacri- 
ficed the grand impression aimed at by any attempts at the dis- 
play of oratory. Probably in leading traits of character he 
more nearly resembled President Clap than any other of the 
ministers who have been settled in this place. There was an 
interesting revival in connection with his labors in the year 
1796, as the fruits of which twenty-five persons were received 



21 

into the church. There was also an unusual attention to reli- 
gion among his people in 1798. In the early part of the year 
following, twenty-two persons united with the church. 

Before he left Windham he found himself in the midst of 
enemies. His doctrine gave offence to some. And the offence 
the doctrine in itself occasioned, was aggravated by the fear- 
lessness and the ability with which he maintained it. Then 
again his practical discourses were received with as much dis- 
like by a certain part of his congregation, as his doctrinal. He 
preached on the duties of individuals in all the relations of life ; 
on the duties of magistrates, as well as those in a more humble 
condition. In other words, he did what an independent and 
conscientious minister might reasonably be expected to do in 
the way of preaching, that is, to reprove men for the very sins 
of which they are guilty, and admonish and exhort them to for- 
sake them. To all this, he also added an offence of conduct, 
which with some persons created greater dissatisfaction than 
any which arose from his pulpit performances. He made com- 
plaint to the magistrate against a company of individuals, for 
the violation of the law then existing in Connecticut, prohibiting 
" all servile labor and vain recreation" on fast-days and thanks- 
givings. Those who for their pleasure went rabbit-hunting on 
fast-day, with all safety but for Mr. Waterman, were not satis- 
fied with the further pleasure of paying the fines by law pre- 
scribed, through his instrumentality. Quite a poition of the 
society conspired to remove him after the manner which had 
been attempted in relation to his predecessor. They " lodged 
certificates." As his support became precarious, it was thought 
advisable by himself and his numerous and ardent friends here, 
that he should leave for some other field of labor. The church, 
and many of the best of the people were exceedingly reluctant 
to part with Mr. Waterman. 

A council was convened, which, after some deliberation, ad- 
journed for a season, hoping from representations made to them, 
that a support might yet be provided. The plan was proposed 
of selling the pews in the meeting-house, to be held as real prop- 
erty, for raising a fund the interest of which should pay the sal- 
arv. This did not succeed ; and when the council re-assembled, 



22 

according to adjournment, the pastoral relation between him 
and this people was dissolved. 

Among the votes passed in the church during these trouble- 
some times, the following is recorded, testifying the estimation 
in which he was held by the members. " Voted, that there has 
from the first connection of this church with its pastor, been an 
unusual degree of unanimity and brotherly love, and that this 
still remains to be the case." 

In his farewell sermon he propounds to the people nine ques- 
tions. The third diXiA fourth of them are as follows : 

" Has not your pastor labored so to divide the word of trutlr as to comfort 
the broken-hearted — to awaken the careless sinner — and to call up the atten- 
tion of the infidel and scoffer, by motives the strongest that religion could 
furnish ?" 

" Has your pastor been a mere time-server in his preaching, accommodating 
[himselt^ to the opinions of leading and influential persons ? Has he said 
more, or has he said less to gain the favor of any one ? Has he prophesied 
smooth things, and cried like the false prophet, peace to the wicked ?" 

If it should be thought that there is a considerable share of 
human nature in these inquiries, it is hoped that it will be char- 
itably remembered that he was a man, as well as a minister. 
Soon after leaving this place he was settled over a parish in 
Bridgeport. He, also, like his two immediate predecessors, 
married among his own people. His wife was Miss Lucy 
Abbe, daughter of Shubael Abbe, Esq., who was worthy the 
general estimation she enjoyed.* 

After Mr. Waterman's dismission, for about a year and a half, 
various persons were employed to supply the pulpit. August 
12, 1806, a call was extended to Mr. Daniel C. Banks. The 
society inserted in the call this condition : 

Viz. " Tliat a majority of said society shall have the power, upon giving one 
year's notice to said Mr. Banks, to discharge him from the ministry in said 

* Mr. Waterman was graduated at Yale College, 1791 ; ordained at Windham 
1794; installed at Bridgeport 1806 ; and died October 11, 1825, aged 50. He 
was the father of Rev. Thomas Waterman, of Providence. He published a 
Life of Calvin, — Catechism of Geneva, — A Century Sermon, — A Sermon at the 
Execution of Caleb Adams, — and a Sermon founded on 2d Kings v. IS — The 
Noble Convert, preached at the request, and published by the consent of Hon. 
Pierpont Edwards. 



23 

society ; and that said salary shall cease within one year after such notice shall 
be given ; and that the said Mr. Banks shall have power to leave said society 
within one year after he shall have given notice of his intent to do the same." 

Mr. Banks declined the call. 

After an interval again of something more than a year, a sim- 
ilar call was extended to Mr. Charles Atvvater. The call was 
declined by him. At length the church and society were suc- 
cessful in an unanimous application to Mr. William Andrews, 
to become their minister ; and he was ordained on the 8th of 
August, 1808. Dr. Welch, of Mansfield, preached the ordina- 
tion sermon, in which he suggested that trials might await the 
inexperienced minister. Says he,* 

" The work of the ministry is weighty, solemn, and laborious. You are 
entering on the work in a tempestuous day — a day in which you will be ex- 
posed to peculiar trials. Religion is opposed by many, and the ministers of 
the sanctuary are despised, villified, and reproached. This wiU expose you to 
pressing difficulties, and you will probably meet with great discouragements." 

Dr. Welch, in this discourse, also thus addresses the people : 

" You, my brethren and friends of this church and society, are about to re- 
ceive a rich blessing — a fresh token of the favor of our Lord. This church has 
gone through a variety of changes, and the transactions for which we are met 
in the house of God, will naturally excite in some of your breasts, the most 
tender feelings. This was the first organized church in the county ; and here 
the ordinances of the gospel were early established. One hundred and eight 
years will be completed, next December, since the first pastor of this church 
\vas ordained. The three first ministers, all of whom were lights in the church, 
and great blessings to the world, served here between ninety and an hundred 
years. The labors of the third were continued more than half a century. His 
ministry and death are afiectionately remembered by the speaker, and many of 
the society. Soon after his decease, the Lord sent you another, who was cor- 
dially received, and settled with great unanimity and flattering prospects. But 
a clear sky is, many times, suddenly beclouded." 

I find my task more and more delicate, in undertaking to 
write a true history of our affairs, as I approach nearer to the 
present period, and must therefore relate things in which many 
persons now living, were more or less concerned. But yet, 
may I not ask myself, who wishes that any thing should be told, 

* This sermon was printed by Mr. John Byrne, of this place. The sermons 
preached by Dr. Dana, at Mr. Waterman's ordination, and by Dr. Welch, at 
Mr. White's funeral, were also printed by Mr. Byrne. 



24 

but what accords with the truth ? History is no longer history, 
but fiction, when it conveys unjust or erroneous impressions. 
The law of the impartial historian must be mine. 

All persons who were accustomed to attend on the ministra- 
tions of Mr. Andrews, concede that he was a man of learning 
and power. He ever gave the impression to those with whom 
he was no particular favorite, that he was an earnest and tho- 
rough man in the discharge of his official duties. He was a 
person of peculiar seriousness. He deeply felt his responsibil- 
ity, and designed to commend himself to God, and the con- 
sciences of all his people. He might have been less social in 
his nature, and less familiar in the ordinary intercourse of life, 
than Mr. Waterman, but in the pulpit he was not a whit infe- 
rior to his predecessor. The ministers of his acquaintance all 
unite in according him a high degree of merit. Chief Justice 
Reeve, as good a judge of a minister as of law, is said to have 
spoken often of the interest with which he heard Mr. Andrews. 

After laboring for a few years in this place, Mr. Andrews was 
discouraged, and desired to remove to some other field. He 
was troubled and distressed at the stupidity in religious things, 
and the iniquity so prevalent among the people. The Sabbath- 
breaking pained his soul. He preached against it — preached 
on the duty of magistrates in relation to it. It could not appear 
to him a work of necessity to make hay on the Sabbath, be- 
cause it happened to be good hay-weather. He therefore re- 
quested the people to release him. It was, however, found to 
be a more difficult work for him to obtain a dismission than it 
had been for his predecessor. They had paid him promptly — 
they had fulfilled all their engagements. They never engaged 
to attend meeting with punctuality — to keep the Sabbath with 
strictness — to reform from their evil practices in general. And 
indeed, with regard to these things, some of them appear to have 
assumed that he had no claim upon them. In a pamphlet pub- 
lished soon after a separation was effected between Mr. An- 
drews and his people, prepared by a prominent citizen, and 
member of the society, the writer remarks, " The people did not 
apprehend they should incur any censure or reproach, if they 
continued the same steady course in the performance of the 



25 

duties of religion, wliich they had long pursued ; and very hon- 
estly thought that they had no occasion for any new light." In 
the summer of 1812, Mr. Andrews preached a sermon from the 
text, "/ am afraid of you, lest 1 have bestowed on you labor in 
vain." (Gal. iv. 11.) It was at a time when some of the people 
had been laboring considerably on the Sabbath, getting in their 
crops of grass and grain. And there is indubitable evidence 
that the sermon, whatever other qualifications might belong to 
it, possessed, in rare measure, those that rendered it impressive. 
" Among other things" says the writer before quoted, " he took 
a view of the conduct of different classes of people in the soci- 
ety during his ministry ; the young and the old, the members 
of the church, and the civil authority, and declared that all had 
grown worse." This sermon was concluded by a notice that 
at the end of the year he should ask to have his pastoral relation 
dissolved. 

It is not entirely certain that all the persons who opposed 
Mr. Andrews in his request for a dismission, pursued this course 
out of any peculiar attachment to him, or peculiar desire to 
enjoy his ministry in preference to that of any other man ; or 
that all who were unwilling to part with him in the circum- 
stances then existing, were influenced solely by the benevolent 
intention of promoting the highest moral and religious welfare 
of the people here. But there is, to say the least, a good deal 
of sagacity in the argument which is urged by the writer of the 
pamphlet referred to, against the reasons Mr. Andrews had 
given for leaving. Says he, " It never was heard, or suggested 
in the Christian world, that ministers are to leave their people 
because they are wicked. This is indeed the strongest reason 
why they should continue their labors among them ; here they 
are most necessary, and will most probably be useful ; for they 
who are whole need not a physician, but they who are sick." 

After a council had been summoned to the place a second 
time, his dismission was accomplished. This occurred on the 
20th of April, 1813. Twenty-one persons were received into 
communion with the church during the period of his ministra- 
tion. He was subsequently settled in Danbury, and more re- 
cently in Cornwall. From the latter place he was called to his 
4 



26 

heavenly reward, leaving a widow, who is believed to be now 
living, and several children, among whom are four sons in the 
ministry. 

As soon as the disturbance in the elements, occasioned by 
the unsettling of Mr. Andrews, had subsided, the society 
repeated a call they had formerly given to Rev. Daniel C. 
Banks. 

In the vote inviting him to come among them, they inserted 
this extraordinary condition : That if either party, minister or 
peoj)le ivishes to dissolve the relation, the case shall he referred 
to three judges of the Superior Court, or to other referees, such 
as shall be mutually agreed upon. Mr. Banks again, for some 
cause unknown, declined the call. 

Mr. Cornelius B. Everest was the next minister invited to 
take the spiritual oversight of this church and people. He 
was pleased to comply with the invitation ; and after preach- 
ing for a little season, his ordination took place on the 22nd 
of November, 1815. 

His services had, even before this event, been blessed by the 
effusions of the Holy Spirit. Many now living in the church, 
have occasion to remember his early labors with deep interest 
and devout gratitude to God. Within the first two years of 
his ministry thirty-two individuals made profession of religion. 
Mr. Everest was a wise and good preacher. He was accus- 
tomed to take just views of scripture truth, and rightly to 
divide the truth to the various classes of his hearers. He 
knew how to instruct and comfort the saints ; and how to 
impress the consciences of sinners. He was particularly 
attentive to the duty of discipline, as relates to the church ; and 
during his stay with this people many were removed from the 
church on account of disorderly conduct, for which they man- 
ifested no repentance. He was a man of affability, kindness, 
and discretion. He made few, if any, enemies among the 
people. All felt kindly towards him. All would say, probably, 
that they wished him well. The wishes of too many, how- 
ever, were not emphatic enough to induce them to do what 
justice required for his support. And he left for the ostensible 
reason, while there was no difficulty in his congregation, and 



27 

it embraced a much larger amount of wealth than it now does, 
that he could not depend on a competent support. It Is not 
designed to cast reflections indiscriminately. There is no 
doubt that there have been here, in all times, those who have 
been just and generous, in their intentions and acts, as regards 
their minister. But at the period now referred to, it is too evi- 
dent that there were many who were so indifferent to the 
welfare of the society, and the interests of morals and religion 
in the place, or so avaricious, that they would furnish but a 
small proportion of their share towards a respectable main- 
tenance for the minister. 

Mr. Everest was dismissed by council, Nov. 14th, 1827, 
having been pastor here about twelve years ; and having re- 
ceived into the church sixty-seven individuals. He has since 
been settled over the First Church in Norwich ; and over the 
church in Bloomfield. He is now preaching, as stated supply, 
to a congregation in Rainbow. 

While Mr. Everest was here, a sort of hurricane occurred 
in the moral atmosphere, totally strange in this generally quiet 
community. There seemed to be, by one consent, a congre- 
gating into this neighborhood of large numbers of a new class 
of preachers, who considered themselves ordained of Heaven 
to introduce into these parts at least, a new dispensation. 
They preached in private houses, and on the public square, and 
in the sanctuary when they could obtain an entrance. They 
preached doubtless some truth ; but they preached much error. 
They assailed most of the leading doctrines of the gospel sys- 
tem. Mr. Everest combated the doctrinal errors of these 
preachers with good success. He delivered and printed a 
sermon, which was a very effective one, from the text, " I am 
set for the defence of the gospel." (Phil. i. 17.) The errors 
of the nature he combated were pretty much overthrown. 
There was another error of this class of preachers that he did 
not successfully meet. They preached that ministers ought to 
preach for nothing — that those who have pay are hirelings — 
and that it is better to go and hear ignorant persons preach in 
fields and barns, who have no recompense, than to hear the 
learned black-coats, who receive a support for devoting their 



28 

time and talents to the useful calling of the ministry. This 
error Mr. Everest did not meet. And the seed sown then has 
ripened into a harvest of briars and thorns. Children and 
youth received a prejudice, against a respectable and intelli- 
gent ministry, and an orderly sanctuary ; which is now one of 
the prominent reasons why many families in the limits of this 
parish, are scarcely at all represented in any house of worship 
on the Lord's Day. 

It was, I think, during the ministry of Mr. Everest, that the 
society concluded that they w'ould no longer " seat the meet- 
ing-house." It had been the custom to appoint a committee, 
once in two or three years, to designate the seats where fami- 
lies and individuals should sit. The aged were accommodated 
near the pulpit for better hearing the minister, and others were 
provided for, as to eligibility of seats, somewhat according to 
the amount of their tax, and general standing in the community. 
The young folks occupied the gallery ; the male sex on one 
side, and the females on the other side of the singers — the 
young folks all, but more especially the males, being under the 
particular watch and care of the tithing-men. It was very 
difficult to please all in this way of seating. A story is told, 
illustrating this, of one Mr. Jonathan Hebard. He was placed 
in a wall-pew, just by the north door : and he made complaint, 
that they not only put him into the coldest spot in the house, 
but that they put in snoio with him ; a respectable citizen by 
the name of Snow having been assigned as his pew-mate.* 

After an interval of about two years, in which the pulpit 
was supplied by different persons, Mr. Richard F. Cleveland, a 
native of Norwich, received and accepted an invitation to 
settle among this people. He was ordained, Oct. 15th, 1829. 
His ordination sermon was delivered by Rev. Dr. Sprague of 
Albany. He assumed the pastoral relation on the condition 
that he might be discharged, if it should be his pleasure, at the 
end of three years. When the three years were expired he 
preferred to go, though the society and church were exceed- 
ingly desirous to have him remain, and employed very earnest 

* The seating of the meeting-house, it is since found, was relinquished at an 
earlier day. 



29 

efforts to induce him to change his mind. His relation to this 
people was dissolved by council, according to contract, Oct. 
1st, 1832. 

Mr. Cleveland was a good man, an ardent and laborious 
man, a holy man. He loved the cause of Christ, and he loved 
this people, and labored earnestly for their spiritual welfare. 
He was a man well calculated to attach a church strongly to 
himself; and he did not fail to accomplish this desirable object 
in this place. Thirty-one persons were added to the church 
during his ministry. 

He went hence to Portsmouth, Va. After continuing about 
a year in Portsmouth, he went to Caldwell, N. J. And from 
Caldwell he went to Fayetteville, N. Y. He was but recently 
dismissed from the latter place, to engage in an agency for the 
American Home Missionary Society, in Central New York. 

April 6th, 1833. Rev. Erasmus D. Moore received a call 
for settlement from this society and church. For some reason 
he made choice of another field of labor. From this time, 
different individuals occupied the pulpit for longer or shorter 
periods, till the fall of 1837, no person receiving a call to enter 
on the pastoral relation. 

The present pastor was ordained Oct. 11, 1837. The ser- 
mon was preached by his honored father. Rev. Bennet Tyler, 
D. D., of East Windsor Hill. The charge was delivered by 
Rev. Dr. Nott of Franklin, the venerable Patriarch of the 
clergy of New England. At that time it appeared to the 
present pastor exceedingly improbable that he should continue 
so long in this connexion. Providence directed his steps here. 
Providence has hitherto sustained him here. And the future 
is also left to the decisions of Providence. Of his character, 
and his ministry generally, he leaves it for him to speak, who 
shall occupy this post fifty years hence, when this church shall 
celebrate the two hundredth Anniversary of its organization. 

He would say that he sees very much reason for humiliation 
and penitence in the review of his ministry thus far, while he 
sees much occasion for gratitude to God. We have not been 
destitute of visits from the holy Spirit during this period, re- 
freshing the hearts of God's people, and bringing sinners to 



30 

Christ. It was in a season of depression in the church, as re- 
gards the state of rehgion ; and when its numbers were much 
reduced, from a variety of causes, particularly from emigration, 
that the present pastor entered on this field. There were at 
that time seventy-four members of the church living. Since 
then, seventy-nine have been added. Yet, owing to the work 
of death, and the continued loss by emigration, which exceeds 
the loss by death, the net increase is but thirty-six, making our 
number of living members this day one hundred and ten. It 
gives us great pleasure to know, that many who are ornaments 
to religion in other places, entered into covenant with the Lord 
and his people among us. 

This church has ever been greatly blessed in devout and useful 
female members. Miss Anna Follet is frequently spoken of by 
persons now living here, and occasionally by aged persons in the 
adjoining churches, as having been peculiarly eminent for piety 
and gifts qualifying her for usefulness. She taught many chil- 
dren the elements of common learning, and many adults the 
great things that concern the welfare of the soul. The small 
house near the former church, in which for twenty years or 
more she lived with her sister, was a place where Christians 
often gathered to pray, and anxious sinners often resorted to 
inquire what they should do to be saved. She was born 1759, 
and died 1833. The Misses White, (who have been spoken of 
in a preceding note,) daughters of Rev. Mr. White, were 
devout women, and ever deeply interested in the cause of 
Christ. Their house was for many years much occupied as a 
place for social religious meetings. 

All who have been settled ministers in this place have come 
here in their youth. No one of them had been ordained before 
coming here. 

The following persons have filled the office of Deacon in 
this church. The figures denote the date of their election to 
the office. 



31 

1700, Joseph Carey. 1765, Jonathan Martin. 

1700, Thomas Bingham. 1765, EHjah Bingham. 

1700, Nathaniel Wales. 1777, Samuel Gray. 

1729, Abel Bingham. 1787, Eleazer Fitch. 

1729, Joseph Huntington. 1787, Hesekiah Bissel. 

1729, Ralph Wheelock.* 1790. Thomas Tileston. 

1729, Eleazer Carey. 1796, Samuel Perkins. 

1741, Nathaniel Wales. 1802, Eliphalet Murdock. 

1748, Ebenezer Wales. 1815, Charles Lee. 

1754, Joseph Huntington. 1824, Thomas Welch. 

1754, Nathaniel SkifF. 1840, Abner FoUet. 

All have deceased excepting the three last named, and of 
these the first has removed from this place, and is now con- 
nected with the Second Church in Norwich. 

The following churches were organized as colonies from 
this. The church at Mansfield Centre, or South Mansfield, 
then called Nauhesetuck. 

The date of its organization, is Oct. 18, 1710. Rev. Elea- 
zer Williams, son of Rev. John Williams of Deerfield, Mass., 
of eventful history, was its first pastor. Before this time, Mr. 
Whiting was required to preach occasionally at Nauhesetuck. 
The church in Hampton was organized from this, June 5th, 
1723; and Rev. William Billings was ordained pastor. The 
place was then called Kennedy, or Windham Village. 

The church in Scotland society was organized from this, 
Oct. 22nd, 1735. The first pastor was Rev. Ebenezer Devo- 
tion. A society had been formed there in 1732. 

There was also a church organized in what was then the 
north part of the society, but is now included in the society 
and town of Chaplin, in 1780. Rev. John Storrs was the 
pastor. After continuing about sixteen years, it was thought, 
on the whole, the dictate of wisdom to give up the support of 
religious worship in that locality ; and thirteen members were 
received back to this church. Other members probably united 
themselves with churches in other places. 



* Father of Rev. Eleazar Wheelock, D. D., founder and first president of 
Dartmoutii College, who was born in Windliani, April, 1711. 



3-2 

The church in WiUlniantic, now a very important pari of 
the town of Windham, the early members of which were in 
considerable numbers from this church, was organized at the 
house of Mr. A. C. Tingley, Jan. 22d. 1828. 

In 1750, there was an attempt made to form a " Separate 
Church'' in this society, by persons who had been members of 
this church, and a minister was proposed for ordination. 
Those who started the enterprize called themselves " Brethren 
and Sisters." On account of disagreement among themselves, 
the enterprize was abandoned. 

The Episcopal church was established in this village in the 
year 1832.* 

The Baptist church was instituted in the year 1846. 

The first house of worship built in Windham was erected in 
1697. 

The second, a larger one than the first in 1716. 

These houses, it is supposed, were on the " parade," or public 
square, about in the range between the present house of wor- 
ship and the bank. 

The third house of worship was commenced in 1751, and 
completed in 1755. It was occupied till the 20th of March, 
1848, when it was pulled down to employ the timbers, to some 
extent, in constructing the one in which we are now assembled. 
The sermon preached by the pastor, on the occasion of bidding 
farewell to that venerable sanctuary, the day preceding, from 
the 84th Psalm, 1st \erse," Hoiv amiable are thy tabernacles, O 
Lord of hosts !" is deposited under the corner stone of this 
edifice. t 



* An EpL-copal society was started in 1S04. After maintaining worship 
about a year, they voted to join the First Society in the support of the Gospel 
Ministry. The present Episcopal house of worship was erected in 1833. The 
Baptist house of worship, in 184G. 

t It may be found in due time, with other documents, in a leaden box below 
the south pillar of the portico. 

The Building Committee of the house recently taken down, were Jonathan 
Huntington, Nathaniel Wales, and Thomas Welch. The Building Committee 
for the house recently erected — Justin Swift, Abner FoUet, Chester A. Wood- 
worth, and Christopher Yerguson. 



33 

This beautiful and pleasantly located, and commodious house 
of worship, erected with great unanimity, and paid for with 
most commendable enterprize and generosity, was completed 
in March, 1849 ; and on the 29th of the same month, was ded- 
icated to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The sermon on 
that occasion was preached by the pastor from the 122nd 
Psalm, 1st verse, " / was glad ivhen they said unto me, Let us 
go into the house of the Lord." 

In view of this summary of our history as a church and 
people, I would offer a few remarks. And 

1. We see abundant cause of gratitude for the present de- 
gree of prosperity which we are permitted to enjoy, notwith- 
standing our exceeding unworthiness before God. 

2. We see abundant cause of gratitude for the rich legacy 
we have received from our early fathers, the early settlers and 
residents of this place ; in their love to Zion ; and enterprize in 
things that concern the welfare of Zion ; in their holy exam- 
ples, and their fervent prayers. 

3. We see the folly of attempting to overturn a church 
founded by holy men, who trust in God and seek his glory. 
Not one church, probably, founded by the early Puritan set- 
tlers of New England, whom God sent here to recover the land 
from the desolation of a savage wilderness, to form its civil 
institutions, and to plant its churches in his name and for his 
glory, has been overthrown by the enemies of religion. This 
work of our fathers was of God, and God's hand has been en- 
gaged in the protection of their work. It is from other causes 
than the opposition of the enemies of true religion that churches 
suffer any permanent injury. Those who array themselves 
against the church may injure themselves ; they may destroy 
their own peace, and their own character, and make a sacrifice 
of their immortal souls ; but the church to which their hostility 
is directed will live and flourish. 

4. We see the destructive influence of those persons, who 
oppose the labors of a conscientious and pious ministry. 

Parents who follow this pernicious course often do unspeak- 
able harm to their children. They fortify them against the 
very instrumentalities which are calculated to promote their 
5 



34 

highest welfare. Will they go to the sanctuary to hear the 
minister preach whom their parents virtually instruct them to 
despise ? Or if they go, will they give heed to what he says ? 
They become profane : the minister can do nothing to 
recover them from this vice. They become intemperate : the 
minister's exhortations and reproofs avail nothing. For him 
and his opinions they have no respect. It is the minister's 
business to draw them from their follies, into the path of wis- 
dom, to persuade them to honor their parents, to fear God, to 
keep his commandments, and lay up treasures in heaven. And 
all this the parents counteract by their unwise conduct. 

The vice that has prevailed in this place, in some former peri- 
ods, to so great an extent, and the results of which we even now 
feel, is in no small degree to be attributed to the conduct I am 
alluding to, in parents and persons in elevated and influential 
circumstances. If there had not been, in certain periods, such 
opposition to the ministry here, the morals of the place would 
have been then, and would be now, much better. The property 
of the place would have been, and would be now, much more 
valuable. The soil of these farms would be more productive. 
Many of the farms in this society have been repeatedly drank 
up by their intemperate proprietors — some of them more than 
once in the memory of aged citizens now living. Did this sort 
of morals proceed from the preaching of the ministers ? It is 
known by every one that it was the result of disregarding the 
ministers.* They reasoned of righteousness and temperance 
to a people who never heard them, or treated their doctrine 
with contempt. And here let me venture to assert that an up- 
right minister, who, in the fear of God, and without respect to 
the fear or favor of men, takes upon him the ungracious task 
of admonishing the people of their vices, and urging them to 
forsake them for the ways of industry, sobriety, and every vir- 
tue ; who endeavors to persuade the people to flee from the 



* Perhaps there is danger that a false impression may be made, by what is 
said respecting the morals of the people. I would therefore say that in these 
days there is probably no very great difference in this matter, between this town 
and others of the same size in the state. There has certainly been a very 
decided change for the better within forty or fifty years. 



35 

wrath to come, and prepare for the glory and bliss of heaven, 
is the greatest friend they have. Those that arrive at heaven 
through their faithful instrumentality, will acknowledge it with 
joy ; and those who perish in spite of their instrumentality, will 
also acknowledge it, though with unavaihng sorrow. 

5. The history of our church, to which our thoughts have 
been turned this day, instructs us to humble ourselves before 
God for our present and past unfaithfulness and unbelief; and 
to seek the Lord with an earnest faith, for his continued bles- 
sing. The God of Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, the God of 
the Pilgrim Fathers, the God of the fathers of this church and 
people, will remember us with blessings if we wait upon him. 

And when another anniversary of our church origin is 
observed, fifty years to come, though most of us, if not all, will 
be sleeping with the congregation of the dead, the day may 
be observed by a more holy, more grateiul, and more pros- 
perous people. 

"Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to 
present you faultless before the presence of his glory with 
exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and 
majesty, dominion and power, both now, and ever, Amen." 



Note. — The first child bom in Windham was Ebenezer Jennings : born 1691. 

Arthur Bebins died, 17SS, aged lOS. 

Samuel Lincoln died, 1794, aged 101. 

Nathaniel Lincoln, died, 1834, aged 105. This man was accustomed to 
come four miles to meeting, on foot, after he was an hundred years old. 

Mrs. Sarah Kingsley died, 1842, aged 99 years, 8 months. 

Mrs. Susanna Kingsley died, 1846, aged 100 years, 9 months. 

The house in which the church is said to have been organized, was about a 
mile north of the public square. It has been taken away, but is still remem- 
bered by many of tlie citizens, as the " Dingley house." 

The following is the inscription on the monument of Lieut. Gates. '* In 
memory of Mr. John Gates. He was a gentleman born in England, and the 
first setteller of the Town of Windham. By his last Will and Testament, he 
gave a generous Legacy to ye first church of Ghrist in Windham, in plate, and 
a generous Legacy in land for ye support of ye poor, and another Legacy for 
ye support of ye school in said Town forever. He died in Windham July ye 
16th, A. D. 1697. 



KELIGIOUS EXERCISES IN OBSERVANCE OF THE DAY, 

DEC. 10th, 1S50. 



The churches that had been formed as colonies from this, were invited, with 
their pastors, to spend the day with us. 

Convened in the house of God, at 11, A. M. 

After singing, by the choir, the 14Stli Psahn, H. M., tune, Lenox, the pastor 
read an extract from the records of the church, relating to the observance of 
the Hundredth Anniversary, 50 years ago. 

Then followed the Invocation and Reading the Scriptures, by Rev. Allen 
Clark, formerly a member of this church. Singing; the 148th Psalm, 1st 
part, L. M. ; time, Extollation. 

Introductory prayer ; by Rev. Thonias Tallman, pastor of the church in 
Scotland. 

Singing; the 44th Psalm, 3d part, C. M. ; tunc, Archdale. 

Historical Discourse ; by the pastor. 

Prayer ; by Rev. Elijah B. Huntington, of Quinebaug, related to this church 
by marriage. 

Singing; the 575th Hymn, L. M. ; tune, Mendon. 

The Lord's Supper was then administered. Rev. Samuel G. Willard, pas- 
tor of the church in Willimantic, Rev. Richard "WoodruiT, stated snjiply of 
the church in Hampton, and Rev. Anson S. Atwood, pastor of the church in 
Mansfield Centre, officiated at the table, each of them making an address. 

The 137th Psalm, 4th part, S. M., and the 117th Psalm, 1st part, L. M. 
were sung at the table. 

The Benediction was pronounced by Rev. George J. Harrison, of Franklin. 

On motion of Deacon Thomas "Welch, it was then " Voted : that we adjourn 
to meet in this place, on the two hundredth anniversary of the church, Dec. 
IQth, 1900." 



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